The Campbell River Killer Whales have begun to show that they will continue to be one of the top swim clubs in the province for years to come after their young talent took home a ton of medals and recorded many personal bests at the BC AAAs in Victoria earlier this month.
The Killer Whales sent 11 swimmers to the meet – only one of which was over 15 – and maintained their reputation as one of the best small clubs in B.C.
The club was led by 11 year-old swimming phenom Kara Beauregard, who was able to earn a spot on the podium nine times in nine individual events and adding a tenth medal in the team relay alongside teammates Brooke Wenger, Kaya Lathangue, and Summer Wenger.
Beauregard won gold medals in the 800m free, 50m back, 200m back and 1km open water event. She added silver medals in 200m fly, 400 free and bronze medals in the 100m free, 200m free and 100m back.
Jamiliya Wellard swam to a big best time and won gold in the 50 fly on day one of the meet,upsetting the top seed and sending a message that she’ll be one to watch at Age Group Nationals later this month.
Ian Goodyear had a standout meet as well. After some health setbacks for most of the season, Goodyear was able to get prepared quickly for this meet and throw down times that neared his personal bests, and has proven again that he is one of the top Multi Class Para swimmers in B.C.
A good portion of the Killer Whales were swimming as the youngest in their age categories. Lathangue (10) and the Wenger sisters (10 and 12), had to fight hard to earn spots in the evening final sessions. Lathangue and the Wenger’s were able to make finals in most events entered and posting multiple top-5 finishes. The other set of siblings saw Cianna Dunn make finals in both the 100m back and swimming to her personal best in the 200m fly final, while 12-year-old brother Carson Dunn, competing as a 12 year-old against 13 year-olds, swam the second best time in the 1500m free.
Ali Beck, competing in her first AAAs, showed she definitely belonged, posting best times and top 20 finishes in both the 400m and 800m free. The girls 15 and over medley relay team of Melayna Beaudin, Aleah Jordan, Wellard and Dunn bettered their entry time on Sunday with solid swims from each leg finishing the meet strong.
Up next for Coach Jim Campbell’s Killer Whales is Age Group Nationals in Calgary this weekend where veterans Cianna Dunn and Jamiliya Wellard will lead two first time AGN qualifiers Brooke Wenger and Kara Beauregard.